Read Sports geek’s argument that Strasburg got the better end of the deal and Bleacher Fan’s argument that the Nationals came out on top in this deal.
As you may recall, The Sports Debates has discussed the pros and cons of having a pay scale in the NFL for rookies, comparing it to the concept already in place in the NBA. The situation in Major League Baseball is, however, a little different.
MLB holds their amateur draft in June every year. The teams have slightly over two months to reach a deal with the player they drafted. If the player and team do not come to an agreement by the August deadline (in this year’s case, August 17), the team loses all rights to that player and the player is eligible for the following year’s draft. Boston Red Sox outfielder J.D. Drew is one of the more notable players who did not sign when originally drafted by the Phillies in 1997. After not agreeing on a contract he played for the St. Paul Saints in the independent Northern League. He was eligible to be drafted in 1998, and was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals. Obviously, he received the wrath of Phillies fans soon after that, and he still hears boos in Philadelphia to this day.
It looked like 2009’s first overall pick, Stephen Strasburg, would not sign by the deadline. Strasburg, a m hyped pitcher from San Diego State whose fastball has been clocked at 102 mph on the radar, was drafted by the Washington Nationals. His agent, Scott Boras (a favorite whipping boy for Loyal Homer) demanded top dollar for his client. The Nationals were offering record money… but that was not enough. Nationals president Stan Kasten even stated publicly that a deal might not get made in time, despite offering Strasburg a record contract. However, at the last minute, the Nationals and Strasburg came to terms and agreed on a contract worth just over $15 million. The Nationals, in need of something good to happen to their organization, have since had an extravagant introduction ceremony for Strasburg.
That brings us to today’s debate. My colleagues will discuss who got the better end of this deal. Were the Nationals the real winners, or was the winner Stephen Strasburg? Bleacher Fan will argue that the Washington Nationals got the better end of the deal, while Sports Geek will argue that Strasburg came out ahead.
The winner gets free tickets to a Nationals game, and judging by the attendance figures in Washington this year, there should be plenty of seats near the field.
Sports Geek, play ball!!
